The Burl BAD8 is Burl Audio’s latest multi-channel, analog-to-digital daughter card for the B80 and B16 Mothership. It gives you eight channels of Burl’s next-generation analog circuit path (the secret of great conversion) combined with the latest in analog-to-digital conversion. The analog section of the BAD8 is a no-compromise design using all class-A, discrete transistor circuitry and the legendary BX1 transformer coupled input. Not one to rest on their laurels, the BAD8 is benefits from the new form factor of the BX1 transformer, allowing for more channel density. The BAD8 also boasts the latest analog-to-digital conversion technology, giving it great tone with even greater detail and amazing low latency (0.15ms), in order to accommodate the industry’s move to native systems.

Burl Audio BAD8 Daughter Card—Just the Facts:

44.1kHz to 192kHz, 24 bit, 8 channel ADC

Proprietary, high-definition, Burl Audio BX1 transformer input

Next-generation, all class-A, discrete transistor signal path with zero feedback and no capacitors in the circuit path

Next-generation AD conversion

Ultra low latency; 7 samples at 48kHz (0.15ms)

8-channel D-Sub connectivity

Burl Audio BAD8 Daughter Card—Under the Hood

One of the benefits of the BAD8’s new chip is that conversion latency is now 7 samples at 48kHz, which equates to 0.15ms, as opposed to the BAD4’s 66 samples at 48kHz, or 1.4ms, which is undetectable to the human ear. At 96kHz, we’re talking 0.08ms for the BAD8 and 0.7ms for the BAD4. Since there are differences in latency, it raises the question of whether you can combine BAD8s in a Mothership already equipped with BAD4s. The answer is yes. Burl has thoughtfully provided a means of matching latencies via jumpers. Of course, the most important question is how the 8-channel BAD8 sounds. The answer is that they do retain Burl’s signature sound, with only very slight differences to the BAD4. In fact, Burl will continue to offer the BAD4 with no changes to its design along with ongoing support.

BAD8/BAD4 FAQs (from Burl’s site):

Are the BAD4 and the BAD8 the same circuit?

No the BAD8 has a modern ADC chip and a slightly modified analog section.

Why did you change the ADC chip? Why didn’t you just double the BAD4?

Though the BAD4 is a proven solution that is loved by many, it has a high latency compared with modern ADC chips. The BAD4 ADC has a latency of 66 samples, which is approximately 1.5ms at 48kHz, 0.75ms at 96kHz. With the emergence of audio-over-Ethernet, and the use of hardware inserts, latency has become more of an issue. It makes sense at this time to reduce the latency in the ADC chip. Though we are still doing final measurements, we can say that the latency of the BAD8 is less than 25% of that of the BAD4.

Will the BAD4 still be available?

Yes, the BAD4 will still be available, unaltered. The BAD4 circuit path is an exact copy of the B2 Bomber ADC. The BAD4 is a proven ADC, with legions of devoted fans. Time and again we have witnessed other companies try and “improve” a product only to have people yearn for the original. For those of you that want to add more channels to your Mothership, and keep the sound the same, or for those who want a knew Mothership with the classic sound, you do not have to worry. We plan on supporting the BAD4 indefinitely.

Does the BAD8 sound even better than the BAD4?

We all know that in the end, which piece of gear has better sound is a very subjective subject. We can say that we believe that in some ways the BAD8 might have a little more detail. The sound is very similar to the BAD4 in that both use the BX1 transformer and pretty much the exact same analog circuit path. We made some minor tweaks to the analog section to best compliment the new ADC chip. The BAD4 has gone through rigorous AB testing over the last 6 years. The BAD8 will be subject to the same testing, and in the end, it will be up to you to decide which one you prefer.

Can the BAD4 and BAD8 exist in the same chassis?

Yes, but if you already own a Mothership you will want to upgrade your Motherboard code to get all 8 channels of the BAD8 to work in each slot. (There will be a minor fee for this.) Also, there will be a jumper on the BAD8 that you can set so that the latencies match. This will increase the delay of the BAD8 so that it matches that of the BAD4.

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